Keeping Passwords Secure

As the web has evolved, so have the methods of collecting personal information. A large number of websites require visitors to register to gain access or participate. While the need for registration is understandable, tracking user names and passwords can be burdensome. Consider using software to store your passwords, in a safe accessible manner.

Most websites have privacy policies, but the value of privacy statements are only as honorable as the people behind the websites. Here are suggestions for keeping passwords and your information secure:

  • change your password frequently

  • never share your password with anyone

  • try to choose a password so it doesn't need to be written down, but not so obvious others would easily guess the password

  • be sure your password is at least 6 characters

  • don't use a password containing all the same characters

  • don't send your password via email or provide it over the phone

  • don't use pet, family or friend names

  • don't use your telephone number, zip code or address

  • use a different password for each account

  • don't use user name

  • deactivate accounts for terminated employees

  • don't allow shared accounts

  • password contains upper, lowercase letters, non-letter characters and numbers

    Resources

    Password Software - http://www.password-software.com

    Passwords are not foolproof. Do not rely on a password alone to protect sensitive information. Monitor accounts closely to ensure that security is not breached.

    About The Author

    Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net

    In The News:


    Washington Post Personal Technology Columnist
    Washington Post, United States - Jun 26, 2008
    Read transcripts of Rob's past tech discussions here. Rob Pegoraro: Welcome! My story today is about shooting things with a handheld device--no, ...

    Personal tech briefs: Game-to-film trend continues
    Salt Lake Tribune, United States - Jun 24, 2008
    The TV uses stereoscopic technology called TriDef from DDD Group Plc in Santa Monica, Calif., which works by sending the same image separately for the left ...

    Samsung's judgmental box of tricks gets personal
    Inquirer, UK - 14 hours ago
    On Thursday in Hammersmith, the Korean tech giant launched a bundle of new products for people who like installing giant plasma screens. ...

    Personal Tech
    Boston Globe, United States - Jun 8, 2008
    Proximity sensing is that creepy technology that allows marketers to tailor the actions of digital billboards and posters as you walk by them. ...

    Some Tips for Effective Googling
    Cnet Asia, CA - 15 hours ago
    He has a personal tech blog named The Most Authoritative Technology Blog. He loves networking with friends & the tech community at large and can be found at ...

    Computerworld

    IDC: Instant messaging to overtake business e-mail
    Computerworld, Norway - 19 hours ago
    It said that hyperconnectivity varies by industry, from nine per cent of respondents from health care to 25 per cent in high tech industries and 21 per cent ...

    Futureshop.ca Enters Mobile Commerce Market with RIM
    FOXBusiness - 10 hours ago
    "We have hundreds of thousands of tech savvy customers who visit our web site every day and now with this new way to shop futureshop.ca on your BlackBerry ...

    As personal technology explodes, deaf and blind people feel left ...
    Austin American-Statesman, TX - Jun 22, 2008
    Various advocates of people with disabilities have lined up in support of the bill, arguing that it's time that the law spelled out technology standards ...

    UMKC chancellor to leave for Texas Tech job
    Kansas City Star, MO - Jul 2, 2008
    Students and faculty wished him well but said they would miss the personal touch Bailey brought to mending campus communication disconnects. ...
    UMKC Chancellor Bailey is finalist for Texas Tech president Bizjournals.com
    all 57 news articles

    Globe and Mail

    The danger zones of 2008
    Globe and Mail, Canada - 2 hours ago
    ... while the story in info tech is the continuing success of Research In Motion and its ubiquitous BlackBerry personal communication device, ...
    Coal dusting continues, but most Canadian stocks rally Vancouver Sun
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